Audioslave teams up the man with the iron vocal chords with the established proto-rap-metal band. The result is a strange mix. Audioslave include ex-Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell and Rage Against The Machine's Tim Commerford , Tom Morello , and Brad Wilk. 'Audioslave' blend elements of both previousbands - Cornell's keening vocals, Morello's avant array of guitar sounds - offering up an invigorating new brand of hard rock. Even before listening to this debut, Audioslave seems like a good idea. The melding makes sense, combining two generations
of heavy rock practitioners who neither managed to scale the heighest heights of artistic achievement, but both satisfied fans of loud guitars and screaming vocalists.This disc is about proving that the new supergroup has enough character and chemistry to surpass the best of both bands.
Chris Cornell is clearly a better vocalist than Rage Against the Machine's Zach de la Rocha, although de la Rocha's leftist politics are a point one can't help but miss. Sure-footed and powerful in every part of his vocal range, Cornell is a singular talent. Morello, a guitarist whose idea of experimentation is a solo that simplistically tickles rather than roars, is more interesting than Soundgarden's Kim Thayil.
"Cochise" is a hard-crunching punch that is squarely in the "Physical Graffiti"-era Led Zeppelin/classic rock tradition and is inventive enough to satisfy, indicating that however indebted the band is to hard rock, Audioslave is moving forward. Over the course of 13 more songs, Audioslave never relents from its new hard-rock agenda. Its consistency is a strength.
Cornell, who wrote all the lyrics, reveals a strong messianic streak, one that emphasizes submission and self-sacrifice. "Nail in my hand / From my creator / You gave me life / Now show me how to live," Cornell sings on "Show Me How to Live," and I don't think a Jesus complex could be more clearly delineated. Cornell turns to Moses on "Set It Off," in which he speaks of a man "standing at the rock / Gathering the flock / And getting there with no directions." The protagonist of the song later dies, at the verge of something (before seeing the promised land?), and urges his "children" to "set it off."
It's unlikely that there will ever be books compiling Cornell's mediocre lyrics. His words certainly are better than the sentiments of most rock, or the silly gothic screamings of most metal, but sometimes, as on the mellifluous "I Am the Highway," one wishes the guts he demonstrates in his hearty vocal shredding would seep into his words.
The funky drummer groove of "Hypnotize" has radio hit written all over it, and "Exploder" has enough riffs and heart to appeal to several generations of rock lovers. Morello's solo on "Bring 'Em Back Alive" is a curious little doodle of feedback and fluid jabs, odd enough to insist on being the centerpiece of the song, not so weird that the pounding of the rest of the song seems lost.
One could not want anything more or less from the playing of bassist Tim Commerford and drummer Brad Wilk. The liner notes proudly state that all sounds were made by guitar, bass, drums and vocals, but that is only possible because Morello has a full collection of electronic effects and the knowledge to use them well.
key tracks: What you are Like a stone The last remaining light
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I don't like this band, though I was a huge fan of Rage Against The Machine. Just don't like Cornell's voice.
snowblind_supernaut 23.11.2005 16:17
Nice review, Like a stone is definitely a plus point of the album, great track! Cheers, E.
pinkmatchstick 23.11.2005 11:44
An outstanding album, if a little heavy going if you listen from start to finish, this one. PS I'm afraid the picture is of Cream Dance Classics - Ciao foul up again.
The debut of thundering supergroup Audioslave--featuring members of Rage Against the ... more
Machine post-Zack de la Rocha with ex-Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell--is as much curio as fascinating blend of visions. Cornell might be outnumbered, but his unmista...
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The debut of thundering supergroup Audioslave--featuring members of Rage Against the ... more
Machine post-Zack de la Rocha with ex-Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell--is as much curio as fascinating blend of visions. Cornell might be outnumbered, but his unmista...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Nov 22nd, 2005
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